Kyle Eastmond could still make a move to rugby union in his career, according to his manager Martin Offiah.
England international likely to sign long-term extension with Saints
A switch to rugby union could still be on the cards for Kyle Eastmond, though not before he's signed a long-term deal with St Helens.
The England international recently pledged his future to the Super League club by agreeing to a 12-month extension on his current contract.
Eastmond's manager Martin Offiah believes the player will sign on again for an extended stay in rugby league, most likely with Saints.
However the 20-year-old - who impressed during the recent Gillette Four Nations tournament - may yet end plying his trade in the 15-man code.
Breathing space
"There were conversations and I actually spoke to Jason Robinson but there was nothing definite," Offiah admitted. "And the bottom line was Kyle wants to play for Saints.
"Both sides are happy with the two-year deal because it gives them both breathing space and it gives Kyle the opportunity to go out there and become the finished article.
"It's too early to sign him on a long-term deal because I believe you only sign long-term deals once you reach the top.
"In two years' time, Kyle will be a much better player and I should imagine that, in 12 to 18 months, he will be signing a long-term deal at Saints. That's the plan."
Offiah admits that a possible move to union isn't likely before Eastmond - who was Saints' star in this year's Grand Final loss to Leeds - is in his mid 20's, an age he believes is about perfect to make such a major move.
Economic climate
"I believe that, within a year or two, he'll sign another three or four-year deal with Saints and that will still only take him up to about 25," Offiah added.
"I think that's a good time to switch codes if you are going to do it. I think Chris Ashton probably went too early, Andy Farrell probably went a bit too late and Jason Robinson did it at the right time and at the right age for a new challenge.
"I think, in this economic climate, with clubs scaling back on their squads and a lot of rugby union players going to France, it's not the best time to be switching codes.
"But I think a lot of clubs - in union and league - will be tracking his progress over the next few years."
